Malawi

1950

2025

2100

1950

2025

2100

Net emigration of 5,628 people per year—more people leaving than arriving.

Since 1950, Malawi has lost a cumulative 49,782 people through migration.

By 2100, projections show continued net immigration.

Net migrants

-5,628

Net migration rate

-0.3 per 1,000 people

Key terms

Net migration: — Immigrants minus emigrants. Positive = more people arriving, negative = more leaving.
Net migration rate: — Net migration per 1,000 population per year.
Immigration: — People entering the country from abroad.
Emigration: — People leaving the country to live abroad.

Migration flows

Net migration from 1950 to 2100 (projections after 2024)

Net migrants

-137,376

Cumulative over selected range

Peak immigration

271,693

Top year: 1987

Peak emigration

-505,365

Lowest year: 1994

Recent avg (10 yrs)

+535

Per year

Malawi loses approximately 5,628 people per year to emigration (0.3 per 1,000 population). Peak immigration was 271,693 in 1987.

Migration flows in Malawi are relatively modest.

Source: UN World Population Prospects 2024. Historical estimates (1950–2024) and medium-variant projections (2025–2100).